Big Dipper

Album: A Single Man (1978)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • It's pretty obvious what the "big dipper" is in this song, but we'll tell you anyway: It's a penis.

    The song is campy fun, telling the story of a guy whose partner has found another "big dipper," leading him to play the field and find some more stars of his own.

    It's the first overtly gay song Elton John released; he admitted he was bisexual in a 1976 Rolling Stone interview, and quickly learned that some people didn't respect his lifestyle choice. This song is a nod to his homosexuality without openly discussing it. In 1981, Elton released a more sincere gay love story in "Elton's Song."
  • Members of the Watford Football Club sing on the gang vocals at the end of the song. At the time, Elton was chairman of the team and part-owner. During his tenure, the team rose fro the Fourth Division to the First Division.
  • Gary Osborne wrote the lyric. A Single Man was Elton's first album where he didn't team with lyricist Bernie Taupin, as the pair needed a break from each other. It was also Elton's first album since his debut without Gus Dudgeon as producer; Elton co-produced it with Clive Franks. The album was far less successful than his previous efforts, but still produced two modest hits: "Part-Time Love" and "Song For Guy."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston from The Doobie BrothersSongwriter Interviews

The Doobies guitarist and lead singer, Tom wrote the classics "Listen To The Music," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Psychedelic Furs lead singer Richard Butler talks about their first album since 1991 and explains what's really going on in "Pretty In Pink."